Card Interest Down? Not at the National.

[Leon]

After selling my collection the first time, I don't worry about the value (though I still have quite a bit in it, relatively speaking) of it like I used to.
A few good purchases can make up for a lot of not-so-good ones. Card interest is up but many commodity type cards, even of Cobb and Ruth, are down.

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Don, it looks really good from the outside but the numbers are not that good in reality, assuming one operates above-board--not cheating on income taxes, reporting sales for sales taxes, etc. Cost of inventory, cost of sales, sales taxes, and income taxes all take quite a bite out of my gross profit. I know a lot of dealers who are "doing great!" but have only a vague grasp of their actual net profit. I also would not assume appreciation of inventory beyond the rate of inflation. Overall trends can be deceiving. Lots of "-" signs over the last year. Sitting on inventory that is declining in value really sucks; I try to cash out my run of the mill purchases quickly so I don't get stuck.

Jim, I totally get the dime box stuff. Hell, my setups at most shows are entirely picker boxes, though my floor is a buck. I think that most collectors want to collect, and if they are a bit strapped, they can still have fun for a few bucks at a cheap pickers' table.